What a week. Seven days, twenty blog posts, five podcasts and one of them the SBS Show. Thank you to all that tuned in, thank you, thank you, thank you. Really, it’s my pleasure to bring this stuff to you.
I feel a little burned out so I’m going to take a few days off before we resume then 10 days of Vlad series of global domination. The biggest stuff is yet to come and I hope you understand why I had to pause it - there is some behind the scenes stuff that you may not be aware of unless you’ve emailed me in anger over this weeks events. So in hope to clear the air, here is my explanation. Regarding all the emails I have received regarding Microsoft and it’s partner direction:
It wasn’t me. I don’t work for Microsoft.
I have a lot of friends at Microsoft and professionally OWN does a lot of business with Microsoft and Microsoft Partners. I happen to have a specialty in messaging and security, so I write about the Microsoft Exchange and what I do. I also grew this enterprise from a very small business and continue to view my business in the same light and write about the Microsoft SBSC because I honestly believe that program is about the most valuable thing Microsoft does for people starting with Microsoft in the SMB sector.
As a matter of fact, I have been one of SBSC’s most vocal promoters and I hope you can trust me that I have not received a dime for it.
So when this weeks soap opera of tretrery and betrayal came out of WPC many of you sought to blame me for it. Let me repeat: I do not work for Microsoft. I am not on any Microsoft Small Business or SBSC advisory councils or panels. I do not have a stake in Microsoft Online. My company did not give Microsoft any access to our business plan or how we work. I am not a paid or sponsored Microsoft venue. Microsoft does not in any way sponsor me, my employer, my family - quite the opposite as a matter of fact.
Throughout the week I have received a number of hate mail messages accusing me of leading “the community” to embrace SBSC which now “Microsoft is turning into nothing but their sales force” all the way down to “no wonder you wouldn’t show your face at WPC, you probably helped build this”
Again, it wasn’t me. Of all the messages I’ve received that I’ve actually read, all but one were decidedly negative. Don’t look at me folks, if you’ve got a problem you have to take it up with Microsoft.
Microsoft never asked me for an opinion nor did I have any idea just how poorly they were going to do this. As for not warning you about it, sorry, check the record - I’ve blogged about the S+S move and the Microsoft problems for a year.
Apologies, Corrections and Omissions.
First, biggest apologies to Mark Crall for putting a suggestive image above his corporate logo. That was unintentional and totally inappropriate looking back. Case of wineyard swag is on its way to you.
Second, huge token of thanks and apology to my crew on the floor and people I am proud to call my friends. I am sorry that your association with me caused you issues with Microsoft Partner Program reps that will have to deal with the above for time to come.
Third, sorry to all my Microsoft friends that I have offended with the blog posts this week. I know you guys are trying your best to help partners grow their business and that your fiduciary responsibility is to Microsoft and that sometimes happens to be a tight rope walk. I don’t envy you. I don’t apologize for bringing it up, you hurt your cause with the SMB community a lot this week and my loyalty will always be to my partners and associates. I however do sincerely apologize for the way in which I have spotlighted it, it was inappropriate and a totally bad call on my part.
Overall.,
Lot’s of good things this week, lot’s of bad things this week. That’s business, sometimes things work out for the best sometimes they don’t, mistakes happen, poor judgement, best intentions - it all mixes in to split people that quit at the first obstacle they face and those that work through them to the good times. Now, it’s time for a break..
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